I'm getting ready to hit the road this coming Memorial Day weekend. We are off to Colorado for two weeks and I just thought I would share with you one of my favorite gadgets that gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling when we are traveling. Three years ago, I got a Fluke 62 infrared thermometer, so I could measure the temperature of the truck tires and trailer wheel bearings (the hub and drum casting). Let's say I check all of the hubs on the 5er and see one reading that is higher by around 30°F, it's probably just that brake dragging a little more on that particular drum. What I'm looking for is a reading that is significantly higher than the other three hubs, that's when you need to start looking for brake or bearing issues. Having a flat tire is not a big deal, a trailer bearing failure tends to ruin your whole day, and maybe part of the next day, if you can't find parts. Every time we stop, the first thing I do is take readings of the tire and hub temperatures. The readings from the thermometer are instantaneous, so it takes less than a minute to look at the whole rig. When I started measuring tire and bearing temperatures the one thing I did notice is that temperatures are sometimes ten or so degrees higher on the on one side of the truck and camper than they are on the other. It took me about 120 miles to figure that the higher temperatures were on the sunny side of the truck and camper. Hope you all have safe and trouble free travels this summer.
-Gavin

BTW - don't forget to check the air pressure is your spare tire(s). Just yesterday I decided to look at the spare on my truck, got out the jack handle from behind the back seat, found the "key" for the spare tire, lowered the spare from under the truck, checked the pressure, it was at 45 PSI. Glad I checked it.

Amazon.com: Fluke 62 Mini Infrared Thermometer: Home Improvement



I take the temperature of the hub by getting as close to, or right on one of the lug nuts. That gives me a good idea of what temperature the entire drum and hub casting is. I also measure temp. of the tread and side wall of each tire on the truck and 5er.

 

It's a great idea, thanks for sharing Gavin. Have fun on your trip.

 

I posted the same thing in 08 when we went out west. I bought a used Fluke IR temp gun and it just lives in the truck. Great peace of mind on a trip. I shoot the hubs, rotors and tires at each stop. Takes a minute and gives you a great idea of what's going on.

 

Great thinking, Gavin! I bought one a few months ago and found it to be useful for stuff I never even thought of. Checking hub and bearing temps with one is a great idea!

 

You can always tell who the experienced people are here...I'm not one of them.

 

Very good idea. Keeps your hands clean. I go around and feel them with my fingers.

 

I have a fluke like that for alot of stuff, but as a less expensive and more portable option is RadioShack Waterproof Pocket IR Thermometer : Weather stations & thermometers | RadioShack.com. I have one of these as well in my field kit simply because it is small and easy to travel with... .oh and inexpensive, so loss or damage is less of an issue.

 

I have an EXTECH IR250 6:1.
Not sure where it is on the quality pole but it gets the job done.
I find it better knowing an approximate temp before I burn my hand.

 

Yup, that's what I did before I got the thermometer.

 

Yup works fine. If it is so hot to burn yourself you can feel it before you even touch it. That and the smell. A little common sense goes a long way.

 

Yes but (some) gadgets are more fun.

 

You bet ya. I would like to pick one up some time. I used to use a IR gun attached to a Fluke meter for checking the cylinder temps on Deutz engines at work. It was a handy set up as you could also check the alternators and trouble shoot electrical problems with it.

 

Wow, great idea. I've always checked the trailer hub bearing temps by hand. Time to pick up a new gadget.

 

I have one that I used to check for airplane cylinder temp consistency. I just got a flyer from Harbor Freight for the Cen Tech brand (one I have). Selling for $40.

 

Boy do I feel dumb. I have one that I use to check cylinder temps on R/C engines when I am bench running them. It would work perfect.